Roanoke approves off-duty employment policy for PD

Roanoke sets policy for off-duty employment of police officers

The Roanoke City Council Monday passed its policy that establishes guidelines for employment of off-duty police officers.

It is not uncommon for other jurisdictions to enter into mutual aid agreements with local police departments for event security and other assignments. An example of that would be working at large sporting events such as Alabama or Auburn football games. Officers also take freelance security jobs as a way to augment their income.

The policy applies to all Roanoke officers who take those jobs, and it sets forth the rules and limitations that those officers must follow when accepting those jobs.

The council approved the policy by a 5-1 vote, with council member Tammi Holley voting no.

Airport funds

The council also approved a measure Monday that authorized mayor Jill Patterson-Hicks to seek a grant for the completion of the runway at the Roanoke airport. The west end of the runway has to completely reconstructed, and even if the grant money is secured it would require approximately $63,000 in matching funds from the city, an amount that Patterson-Hicks said is not available in the budget.

To make up for that shortfall, council member Kesa Johnston offered a proposal that would allow the city to lease all of the hangars and storage facilities at the airport for a uniform monthly rate. No action was taken on implementing those leases Monday.

In other business Monday the council:

Approved an alcohol license for 431 Fuel Connection for the sale of wine at the store. They already had their license to sell beer previously.

Announced that Mayhem on Main – the city’s annual Halloween celebration on Main Street – would be October 31 from 5-7 p.m. and that the city would once again close Main Street downtown for those hours to allow free flowing pedestrian travel during the festival.

Amended the recreation center rules to allow employees to have food and drinks besides water during their breaks in the building’s concession area.